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« Reply #3120 on: August 08, 2015, 06:23:32 PM »

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THE WORKS OF THE FLESH vs. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
by Russel S. Miller




Adultery heads the list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, with fornication and uncleanness following second and third in succession. There is a world of sinners out there, unrestrained with unbridled lusts, to which the Lord sends His ambassadors with "the message of reconciliation" (II Cor. 5:14-21).

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like..."

It was adultery that ruined King David, for when it came time for the king to go to war, he was on his rooftop:

"And it came to pass in an evening tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon" (II Sam. 11:2).

Did the Lord have this in mind when He said: "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matt. 5:28.)? It is truly "from within, out of the heart of man, [that] proceed evil thoughts"; and "adulteries" are at the top of this list in Mark 7:21-23 also.

Again, in Romans Six, the Apostle Paul speaks of the works of the flesh as unfruitful and leading to death: "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death" (Rom. 6:21). In Colossians, we read that these works of the flesh originate from within, and pointing to the Christ of Calvary’s cross, Paul says: "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, YET NOW HATH HE RECONCILED IN THE BODY OF HIS FLESH THROUGH DEATH, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight" (Col. 1:21,22).

Consequently, there is real "joy and peace in believing" (Rom. 15:13) as God’s grace saves and transforms lives so that Christ may be seen, and not the works of the flesh.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:22,23).

It is only right that there are laws against the works of the flesh, but how could there be laws against the fruit of the Spirit? A striking contrast indeed!
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« Reply #3121 on: August 08, 2015, 06:27:12 PM »

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God's Free Gift
Part 1 of 2

By Pastor Ken Lawson

Years ago, the story was told of a service man who, being stationed in a foreign land, fell in love with a beautiful girl. After a brief romance, he was transferred to another country but promised to return the next year. Throughout his absence he took out a substantial portion of his paycheck each month to purchase a gift which would be a worthy token of his love.

When the day finally came when they were united again, he removed a box from his coat and presented her with the most beautiful jewel she had ever seen. A troubled expression came over her face and she began digging through her purse. "What are you doing, dear?" he asked. "Oh honey, that is a very expensive gift and I think I should help pay for it." Shocked and hurt, he stood there speechless, not knowing what to say. She had missed the whole point. He didn't want her money, he wanted her!

Like the foolish young girl in our illustration, many people today have a distorted view of God's free gift of eternal life. Rather than receiving it by faith alone, they insist on helping pay for it. As a result they insult the grace of God and dishonor the blood of the cross. Any attempt to add human works to God's plan of salvation only mars it, so that it loses the character of a free gift and is rendered void. While some may even acknowledge the fact that Christ died for our sins and rose again, they maintain that it is still necessary to do their part to complete God's plan of redemption. All the while being ignorant of the fact that our Lord Jesus cried from the cross, "It is finished!" There on that cruel tree God the Father was making our Savior's soul an offering for sin-yours and mine!

God's holiness was so thoroughly satisfied with our Lord's substitutionary death, for us, that He proved it by raising Him from the dead, in power and great glory. This is our "canceled check" verifying that the sin debt has been fully paid. Our responsibility is to honor God by receiving the free gift. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31) The writer of Hebrews understood something about this finished transaction when he wrote, "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)

The ways people say we are to help pay for our salvation are many and varied: obey the commandments, follow the Golden Rule and the Sermon on the Mount, give money to the church, be baptized and partake in church sacraments, etc. But God says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5) "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8, 9) "Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3:28.)

Grace means that God delights to grant us special favor apart from personal merit or worthiness. That is why salvation and eternal life are so often spoken of as a gift in God's Word. No loving parent would expect their child to earn or pay for their birthday presents.

But why can't I get to heaven by living a good life? Why does my acceptance with God hinge on my faith in Christ's shed blood only? First of all, you are making an assumption that it is possible to live a good life. Our minds need to be reeducated concerning the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man. The problem is our perspective. When we talk about living a good life, we are thinking in comparison to others---other sinners! Such a comparison is unwise, for Christ is holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. That is why Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden for only one sin. When compared to Christ's holiness, even the best children of Adam have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. To enjoy eternal fellowship with God in heaven, we must share in Christ's righteousness, acceptance, and life. That is where the free gift comes in.
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« Reply #3122 on: August 10, 2015, 06:13:46 PM »

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THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
by C. R. Stam



"The Sword of the Spirit... is the Word of God" (Eph. 6: 17).

Of all the spiritual armor which believers are told to "put on" in Eph. 6:11-18, there is only one offensive weapon. This is "the Sword of the Spirit... the Word of God." The Bible is called "the Sword of the Spirit," because the Spirit of God is its Author. It is called "the Sword of the Spirit" because, thus written by God who knows all, it can cut deeply. This makes it, for the believer, a formidable weapon against Satan and the forces of evil. We are told in Heb. 4:12,13:

"The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

As David said long ago:

"O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me.
 "Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising; Thou understandest my thought afar off" (Psa. 139:1,2).

It is because God knows and understands us so thoroughly that His Word can sometimes cut us so deeply. How wise, then, to bow before that Blessed Book, acknowledge its condemnation of sin and trust the Savior it presents! And, having done this, how wise to "put on the whole armor of God" in our stand against Satan and sin, not forgetting to "take... the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God"!
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« Reply #3123 on: August 11, 2015, 06:32:53 PM »

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UNITY
By Pastor John LaVier, Retired


The world is in despair of peace. The nations eye one another distrustfully and fruitless truce talks are carried on while the killing continues. There is much heard about the "United Nations" but there appears to be little or no unity. A better name would be the "Disunited Nations." The Bible teaches that sin is the cause of all the division, hatred, strife, warfare and bloodshed.

The condition of the world should not surprise us when we realize that Satan is the god of this age and the whole world lieth in the wicked one. What more can be expected in a world where the rightful ruler has been rejected and a usurper is on the throne. God divided the nations at the tower of Babel and all of man's attempts to unite in failure. In the end time, there will indeed be a great federation of nations, controlled by Satan's man, but this will be smashed to smithereens at the second coming of God's Man, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then He will be the great Unifier and there will be real peace and unity among the nations.

As we turn our attention from the nations to consider that which bears the name of Jesus Christ, do we find things any better? No! We behold an apostate Christendom, and instead of unity, there is division and subdivision, with the professing church split into innumerable denominations and organizations. But here again we see man's endeavor to unite. The liberals continue to talk about ecumenicity, and we can be sure that just as there will be a federation of nations in the end time, so there will be a federation of the various religious bodies. We have read a booklet, "The Reappearance of the Christ," and in reading it, one is forced to the conclusion that the "christ" they are waiting to appear is Antichrist. According to them, he will bring together all the "knowers of God" of whatever religious persuasion they may be. Yes, there is coming such a great world church, united by the false christ, but its end is to be consumed and destroyed by the brightness of the Lord's coming.

But now let us look at so-called Evangelical Christianity, or Fundamentalism, those who are really the children of God. Do we find unity here? Sad to say, division, dissension, and discord seem to be much in evidence. There are many attempts at union: the organizing of "Associations," "Fellowships," etc., but we see little evidence of the unity of the Spirit. Man is never satisfied with what God has provided; man thinks he must add some work of his own to improve upon it. Instead of being satisfied with the position God has given him, with membership in the Body of Christ, man thinks he must have something else to join. However, such unions among the churches can never bring real unity, any more than the efforts of the nations to unite can never bring real peace. Usually, the basis of fellowship in all such unions is a man-made creed or doctrinal statement, to which all the members must subscribe. Here again, man shows his dissatisfaction with what God has given. God has given us His perfect Word, which is surely sufficient to govern our fellowship, doctrine, conduct, etc., yet man thinks he must have something in addition of his own devising. Naturally, every group fancy themselves as the custodians, champions, and defenders of all truth, and anyone who disagrees with them is a heretic.

Even among individual assemblies of God's people there are few places where real unity may be found. How often we hear of church quarrels and church splits, all the result of carnality. Many will battle to the last ditch to have their own way or in defense of self, when they would not fight at all in defense of God's truth. How often is trouble caused by a preacher who is a Diotrophes, or more often than not, the trouble may arise from papery in the pews and pusillanimity in the pulpit. May God deliver us from these unholy wars which mar that unity which should be kept in the bond of peace.

What is the answer? It is not "back to the unity of the early church" as some tell us. If we go even as far as the church at Corinth, there we find strifes and contentions and denominational divisions. No, it is not by being led backward to Corinthian failure, but by being led forward to the Ephesian doctrine of "the unity of the Spirit" that we find what is needed. In the 4th chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle emphasizes two unities. In Verse 13 he speaks of "the unity of the faith." This unity is future and will only be realized in that day when Christ presents the Church to Himself, "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it would be holy and without blemish." Never this side of Heaven will we all see eye to eye on every point, but this should not prevent us from keeping "the unity of the Spirit" mentioned in Verse 3. This unity applies to the present, and is something we are to keep with all possible endeavor. This is not something which man produces. It is a unity already established by the Spirit of God Himself, and we have only to recognize it and walk in the knowledge of it.

The idea of most in regard to visible fellowship and corporate unity is that everybody should agree with them. Or, they say, we could have the unity of Ephesians 4:3 if we were all in agreement concerning the seven unities of the following verses. This is indeed to be desired, but it is grievously apparent that there are many of the brethren who are in doctrinal and dispensational agreement and yet without unity. Too often Ephesians 4:2 has been overlooked. In this verse, we have the graces essential to unity. There must be lowliness of mind, meekness and gentleness, long suffering and patience, forbearance and forgiveness, and above all love, which is the bond of perfectness. Only when these graces abound can we have the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. When there is pride and haughtiness, and the desire for self-aggrandizement, there can be no unity. There must be in each the mind of Christ. This means true humility. In lowliness of mind, each is to esteem others better than self. In honor we are to prefer one another, recognizing that we are members of the one Body of Christ, and, therefore, members one of another. Note I Corinthians 12:25, "That there should be no schism in the body: but that the members should have the same care one for another." This alone will produce unity.
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« Reply #3124 on: August 11, 2015, 06:38:21 PM »

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The Difference Between Belief and Faith
By Pastor Timothy F. Conklin

The Bible is very clear - saving faith originates through hearing the Word of God. The Bible knows no other avenue or supply for faith which saves. People cannot produce or will biblical faith. Only the Bible produces saving faith. And Romans 10:17 makes it plain and clear that biblical/saving faith comes specifically by hearing the Word of God.

     Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God

One must appreciate that the Bible itself is a gracious gift of God. The Divine revelation of the Scripture cannot be found anywhere else. What God has revealed in the Bible is not knowable in any other way or from any other source. In parallel with the gift or Scripture, one's initial faith-when a person first believes- is likewise God's gracious gift.

     For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

     To all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-children born of natural descent, nor of human decision, or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:12,13)

We know from Hebrews 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." The one thing a person absolutely must have in order to please God is faith. More definitely, one's faith must be in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is simply Satanic fraud to think a person can please God without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, understanding who He is and what He did.

     God has given us eternal life, and thus life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1st John 5:11, 12)

God responds to faith because that is how he made us. He created us to be a people of faith; a people centered and dependent on him, not independent and self-centered.

God has chosen to limit his interaction with human beings by the law or principle or element of faith. Faith in God is essential, irreplaceable. Pleasing God is just not a matter of enthusiasm, dedication, education, discipline, experience, will power, et al. It is a matter of faith.

But it is imperative one recognizes the subtle difference between belief and faith. Merely "believing" is not enough! James 2:19 says the "Devil himself believes ... and trembles." Do you believe you can get on a plane and fly to Florida in just a few hours? Do you truly believe that? Alright then, you are in Florida, yes? Of course not! That's silly.

Just believing doesn't accomplish anything.

Consider an electric lamp. The lamp is designed to give light. It is structured and wired to do that very thing. But if it simply sits or hangs in a room without the electricity plugged in and turned on, it does nothing. Without electricity the lamp is useless as far as its intended purpose is concerned.

Just so, God's purpose in creating humankind was for them to have faith in his instructions and promises revealed in the Bible; to have faith and obey his Word. This is why God created humankind. Do you believe in John 3:16?

     God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I mean really believe it? Well, so what? Merely believing it won't do you a bit of good.

How about horrible deadly, poison, some fatal neurotoxin? Do you believe if you drink it or ingest it in some way you will surely die? You really do believe that? Well then, are you dead?

You see, only when you act in faith in what you believe does it become actual and effective. Only by acting upon your belief and allowing the object of your faith to do what you believe it is capable of doing, only then can you turn your belief into faith.

Note very carefully, your faith does not do anything to the whatever it is you put your faith in. It simply allows your act of faith to permit the object of your faith to accomplish its nature; the electricity gives light, the poison kills.

When I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, it is not my faith that accomplishes anything but Christ's accomplishments, who by the power and authority to do what he alone can do, does it; namely, become your Savior from sin and death.

Do you believe in benches and chairs? There is only one way for you to turn your belief into faith - sit on a bench or a chair. Understand, your faith does nothing for the bench or chair. Your faith in the bench or chair only allows the bench or chair to accomplish its benchness or chairness; its ability to support you when you sit down on it.

And note this well - the more confident you are in the object of your faith, the less conscious you are of the faith you are exercising in that object.

For Christians, where does saving or biblical faith come from? Ah yes, faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The more you "hear" the word of God, the more your faith will develop, because the Word of God produces faith.

This was a lesson unheeded in Hebrews 4:2 ...

     The message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.

The Word of God, the message of the gospel, the good news that Jesus saves, cannot profit you unless you "combine it with faith." Indeed, the Bible will tell you what to believe, but you must put into action by God's grace through faith what that belief is all about.

This is how God has decided to operate. He does not involve himself or interact personally with people apart from faith. God restricts his personal relationship with people to the issue of faith. To believe in God may be a good thing, but to have faith in God is essential.

You say you believe in God? Very well, do you have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as YOUR Savior from sin?

The message of the gospel is that Jesus Christ is God's only Son who became human --- the God-man --- to live, to die, to be buried, to be raised from the dead and ascend into heaven in order to become YOUR Savior from sin! Do you have faith in this!

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. (Ecclesiastes 3:14)


Are you Saved?

     And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8.)
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« Reply #3125 on: August 13, 2015, 05:33:32 PM »

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SALVATION AND THE HUMAN WILL
By Paul Hume


Scripture  Reading: Rom. 9:15-16; John 1:12-13; 3:16

Dwight Lyman Moody once said that "the whosoever wills are the elect, and the whosoever wont's are the non-elect!" This is certainly true. The human will does play an important part in personal salvation. But the problem which ultimately must be faced when one deals with the sovereignty of God must touch on this matter of what place man's will plays--if any.

Now there are two extremes to avoid. One is that since God is sovereign, and since man cannot save himself at all, then man has no part at all in salvation. That is, God will save him without any action on his part. The other extreme is that God cannot and will not save anyone unless he is willing to be saved.

In between these extremes we believe the truth lies. It is true that the sinner is "dead in trespasses and sins" therefore cannot, of himself, take one step toward God and salvation. It is also true that God has given man a will, and He respects that will. Yet due to the fact that the depravity of the human nature has also crippled the will, God must first move and work in the sinner to make him willing to be saved! This is what Christ meant when He said, "No man can come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him" (John 6:44). This is also what is meant in John 1:12-13: "But as many as received Him (Christ), to them gave He power, (authority) to become the sons of God (children of God), even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." Therefore, as Romans 9:16 states, "it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."

Hence, how beautiful it all works out. Of my own will, I did not want God or His salvation (Christ). But He wooed me and drew me, with love and power and gave me the willingness to receive Christ into my life! Bless the Lord, oh, my soul!

"I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him." (J.G. Small)
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« Reply #3126 on: August 13, 2015, 06:05:30 PM »

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SLAVERY AND LIBERTY
by C. R. Stam


We thank God for Abraham Lincoln and for his part in emancipating the Negro slaves in the United Sates. Yet, in a deeper sense, there is a slavery from which we all need to be emancipated.

The children of Adam are slaves by birth. Partaking of his fallen nature they find it an uphill fight to do right and easy to do wrong. No mother has ever had to teach her child to tell lies, or to steal or to disobey. Every child does these things naturally. All, by nature, are slaves to sin.

Some, on the other hand, have sought to make themselves slaves to the Ten Commandments in order to overcome their natural tendencies toward evil, but this does not produce the desired results. God did not give the Law to help us to be good, but to show us that we are bad and need a Savior. In Rom. 3:19 He says that He gave the Law "that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become [be exposed as] guilty before God" and in Verse 20 He says that "by the law is the knowledge of sin."

Only believers in the finished work of Christ are liberated from sin and its results. This does not mean that it is not possible for them to sin, but that it is now possible for them not to sin -- to have victory in any given case. "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law but under grace" (Rom. 6:14).

In grace Christ died to pay for our sins and in response to that grace believers seek to live for Him, just out of sheer love and gratitude for what He has done for them. This is the secret of victorious living, and God would have us keep it that way. Gal. 5:1 says:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Yet, he also cautions believers, who enjoy this wonderful liberty:

"Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak" (I Cor. 8:9).

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13).

"Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth" (Rom. 14:22).
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« Reply #3127 on: August 15, 2015, 06:00:08 PM »

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DO-IT-YOURSELF SOUL WINNING
Part 1 of 3

BY EVANGELIST JOEL MCGARVEY



As our caravan continues its journey in ministry over the summer and fall, I continue to share in many of the churches I visit the two-fold challenge of soul winning and standing true and firm for the Word of God rightly divided. It is in the message of God's Grace that we find the Gospel of the Grace of God and the only message that can save today; therefore, I have been encouraging the saints to be soul winners. By using the term "soul winning" I do not mean to indicate some sort of sporting event or attempting to put notches in one's belt. The term "soul winning" is used exclusively to describe the work of evangelism, or the preaching of the Gospel of the Grace of God to individuals in a lost and dying world. The one thing that I, or any individual, must always keep in mind when sharing the Gospel is that he or she is merely the one who plants or waters - it is the Holy Spirit Who is the real soul winner (1 Cor. 3:6-7).

Over the years, and now in my travels, I have seen, and continue to see, an alarming trend among believers toward a philosophy of "professionalism." When the roof needs to be repaired, a roofer is called; when a sink backs up, a call is placed to a plumber. The same is seen in the area of soul winning and much of the work of the Lord. Souls need to be saved soooo...call the preacher! In my years of ministry, I can't begin to count how many times I received a phone call on Saturday evening informing me that an unsaved friend or relative would be attending church in the morning and so I was asked to really preach the gospel hard. I didn't mind, and usually included a gospel presentation in all of my messages anyway, but it was the thought behind the request that often bothered me. The saints don't visit the sick and shut-ins (except close family)... "That's the preacher's job." People don't witness, as they should... "That's why we pay the preacher." The idea of "professionalism" is one of Satan's little lies he has successfully used to keep the saints of God content and quiet. If you silence the army, who is left to fight?

Time is short and there is no time to call the professional. What the Church of Christ needs today is some "do-it-yourselfers." The Acts of the Apostles written by Luke records the activities that took place following the stoning of Stephen. "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4). Some may read this verse and think that the work going on here was the work of the "professionals" - the Apostles; but that was not the case. According to the opening verse of the chapter, the "professionals" had remained in Jerusalem. "...And they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles" (Acts 8:1). The Apostle Paul writes how God had given the office of the pastor/teacher (Eph. 4:11) and then proceeds to set forth its function, or purpose - "For the perfecting [equipping] of the saints" (Eph. 4:12a). The Biblical purpose of the pastor/teacher (the "professional") has little to do with what man has made it and everything to do with the proclamation and teaching of the Word of God to the saints of God. It is his responsibility to train the saints in the Scriptures. But for what reason is this training to be accomplished? The Apostle continues with the word "for" which introduces the next result clause, "...the work of the ministry. "

The ministry that God has given to His Church is two-fold in nature. The first is the "ministry of reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:18.), and the second is "to make all men see what is the fellowship of the Mystery" (Eph. 3:9). Let me illustrate Ephesians 4:11-12 in the following manner in an attempt to give it clarity.

Eph. 4:11- "And He gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. "

Eph. 4:12 - "For [introduces the result clause] (1) the perfecting of the saints ...
for [introduces another result clause] (2) the work of the ministry...
for (yet another result clause] (3) the edifying of the Body of Christ. "

You see, God gives the pastor/teacher for the purpose of perfecting (equipping, training) the saints. That is why the Apostle Paul instructed the pastor to "feed the Church of God" (Acts 20:28.). The word translated "perfecting" is used many ways in Scripture. One of those ways is found in Hebrews 10:5, where it speaks of preparing. The farmer prepares the ground for planting. A meal is prepared for consumption. The child of God is to be prepared for service. This perfecting is then carried out to the end that the saints do the work of the ministry which is sharing the Gospel, making all men see the Mystery, and caring for one another. All of this is done for the purpose of edifying, or building up (strengthening and expanding) the Body of Christ.
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« Reply #3128 on: August 16, 2015, 06:12:52 PM »

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"DO-IT-YOURSELF SOUL WINNING"
Part 2 of 3

BY EVANGELIST JOEL MCGARVEY




The word "edifying" has the idea of structure or building up. We use the same word today in relation to a building when we speak of its edifice. The edifying of the Church (the Body of Christ) is carried out in two distinct areas, each one important. First is the area of soul winning. As saints of God share the gospel, unbelievers are brought to a saving knowledge of  the Lord Jesus Christ and, thus, the Body of Christ is built up, or expanded. Some speak negatively about this and make the accusation that we're only interested in numbers. Well, friends, soul winning is never about increasing church membership or gaining a following; it is only about where a soul will spend eternity - Heaven or Hell! But in the scheme of things, souls are people and people are often counted (numbers). Hence, edifying the Body of Christ includes increasing its size or number of members. Second, edifying the Church has to do with the education, or the training of the flock. This is the primary role of the pastor/teacher. It is his function to train or equip the saints in the Word of God so that they may in turn take the gospel to a lost and dying world and also have an answer for the things that come their way each day. It is the responsibility of the pastor/teacher to equip the saints in the Word of God "rightly divided" - so that they can be rooted, grounded and established in the faith (Col. 2:6-8.). The failure on the part of the pastor/teacher to do both of these is the failure to carry out his God-given responsibility.

This two-fold ministry is given to all of the saints and it is the function, or purpose of the pastor/teacher to equip or train the saints to carry it out. The preacher is not paid simply to alleviate the saints of their God-given responsibilities. The work of the ministry belongs to everyone. It was received that day you took Christ as your Savior. People will request prayer for an unsaved loved one but never stop and really share the gospel with them. They may mention to the individual how thankful they have been to know the Lord and how He has blessed their life. Now while all of that is true, that is not sharing the gospel. The saints of God must awake, arise and begin to do what God has called them to do. "For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2).

As the days of our summer travels slow down, and the Grace Revival for Evangelism VI draws near (October 4-7 in Branson, MO at the Stonecroft Conference Center), I wanted to take this space to encourage you in your daily walk to be a soul winner. Don't leave it up to the so-called "professional." Do what God has called upon all of His children to do - share the gospel of Christ with others.

To do this, I want to quickly set forth what I believe to be the gospel (if we're to share the saving gospel of Christ, we need to know what that gospel is) and present a quick outline of some "do's" and "don'ts" of soul winning.

Soul winning is not:

1.    A system of human effort or good behavior carried out for the
purpose of gaining the favor of God;
2.  Seeking people to add to a church membership drive or the
following of religious ceremonies (Titus 3:5-6; Eph. 2:8-9); or
3.  Rehabilitation, redevelopment or reformation (Rom. 3:9-12;
10, 13).

Soul winning is:

1.  The engagement of unbelievers in conversation, and  communicating to them a clear presentation of the saving gospel  (Acts 17:2,17; 18:4,19; 19:8-9); and
2 . Presenting the truth in a clear and systematic fashion by use  of the Scriptures (Acts 17:3).
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« Reply #3129 on: August 18, 2015, 07:43:37 PM »

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"DO-IT-YOURSELF SOUL WINNING"
Part 3 of 3



Next, it is necessary to know what the gospel is:

We live in an age of deception. Satan is doing all he can to keep people from hearing the true gospel of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4). One of the methods he has employed is the use of false gospels (Paul warned the Corinthian believers of this very fact - 2 Cor. 11:2-4). Radio and television are full of preachers proclaiming a wide variety of gospels, many which are corrupted by Satan himself. A false gospel is proclaimed where church membership ceremonies and sacraments are imposed in order for one to gain any hope of Heaven upon their death. Still others speak of good works, benevolence, positive thinking and kindness as being the way. But these all fall short (Rom. 3:23; Isa. 64:6; Eph. 2:8-9) and will not provide a moment of time spent in Heaven. Great religious leaders die and immediately their goodness is proclaimed and the statement is made that they are surely now in the very presence of God. But this is decreed upon them for their goodness, religious service, and social positions, not because of any deep-held faith in the meritorious work of Christ alone. There are increasing numbers of people whose minds have been clouded into thinking that all religions are basically the same and that there is little, if any, difference. This philosophy has caused many a child of God to pull back from sharing the gospel with a loved one or a coworker because "they go to church" or "they're pretty religious - they must already be saved."

The gospel is simply the declaration of the work of Christ on behalf of condemned sinners (I Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 10:9-10; Eph. 1:12-13). The following outline sets forth a simple approach to sharing the gospel with any individual:

The first hurdle in soul winning is getting the person lost. This may sound strange hearing this, but most people, especially the affluent, see no need of a Savior in a life filled with everything they could ever desire. Most people believe themselves to be basically good, honest citizens who never committed murder, robbed a bank or cheated on their spouse. Using the Ten Commandments as a basic outline of God's righteous standard, it is easy to show people how they have stolen (even a paper clip or pencil is stealing), lied (most will admit to a "white lie"), and used the Lord's name in vain. By this simple comparison, it is easy to show that the person has fallen short of God's standard of righteousness and is deserving of eternal punishment. From here you move into a presentation of what God the Father did through the person of His Son Jesus Christ on the behalf of sinful man. The following chart is given as a sample of the gospel and its various points:


             1. Man has a need (Rom. 3: 10-18,23; 5: 12).
             2. Sin has a penalty (Rom. 6:23).
             3. God made a provision (Rom. 5:8.).
                    · Christ died for sinners (Rom. 5:6-10; 3:24-25).
                    · Christ was buried and rose again to save sinners (Rom. 4:25).
                    · Christ lives to save sinners (Heb. 7:25).
             4. Man must respond (Rom. 10:9-10).
             5. God is faithful to save (Rom. 10:13).

I would strongly urge you to become a soul winner: The writer of Proverbs wrote, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise. " I believe that the Rapture of the Church grows nearer with each passing day and, thus, the urgency of the hour grows stronger and stronger. The clock of opportunity is ticking and the door of invitation is open wide. But soon it will close and all those left behind who have heard and rejected the gospel of Christ will be doomed to a Christ-less eternity in the Lake of Fire. Do you believe in a literal Heaven? Do you believe in a literal Hell? Then be a soul winner for the Lord Jesus Christ and stand fast upon the Word of God - rightly divided. Don't leave it up to the professional - do it yourself - it's your responsibility!
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« Reply #3130 on: August 24, 2015, 07:10:21 PM »

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Set Free by God’s Truth
by Anabel Gillham


How could I have been so stupid?
Why, oh why did I do that?
What a loser I am!
When am I going to learn?
How long is God going to put up with me?
I’m still stumbling around and causing all sorts of problems.
Time and time again I fail.
I’m sick of myself and the things that I do.
I’ll never change.
I’m just kidding myself to think that I could ever . . .

Stop! Where are all of those destructive thoughts coming from? Who’s talking to me? Something’s going on here that doesn’t ring true. Sure. I was wrong. I failed and I confess that readily. But this is carrying things too far.

* * *

Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise [again]; Though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.
Micah 7:8

Okay, I blew it! I was wrong!

But don’t you try to convince me that God is through with me. He’s not going to give up on Anabel. He’s the One who saved me in the first place. Don’t you suppose He knew what He was getting into with me? He knows everything about me—past, future, and present, and He still loves me—unconditionally!

And I am NOT a loser! I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus. I just haven’t learned how to walk like who I really am yet. But I will. One of these days I’ll be running instead of stumbling and falling—and I’ll win! You’ll see.

So you just go back to your lair and shut up, Satan! Even though I’ve fallen (and will undoubtedly fall again) you don’t need to think I’m down to stay. Don’t gloat over me, my enemy. It may look pretty bleak right now, but I’ll make it . . . because of the Lord. He lives within me and He loves me and nothing I can do will ever damage that love. Furthermore, He has told me, "Anabel, you will stand. I Myself will cause you to stand" (from Romans 14:4).

* * *

Sound theology is my only key to real hope.

Satan, the Deceiver, is a liar, and a very persuasive and convincing liar (John 8:44). How many times I have listened to his insidious accusations and allowed them to separate me from the One who loves me, who can help me. . . .

Lord, I don’t want anything to come between us. The knowledge of You and the awareness of Your presence is my most precious possession. How wise of the Evil One to try to drive a wedge that would separate me from You.

Truth is my most powerful weapon. You have said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. . . . If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:32, 36).

I’m free to be lovely
to be hateful and ugly
I’m free to stand or to fall.
I’m free to be sinful
to be headstrong and willful
I’m free to not sin at all.
So who makes me free
who gives me strength
how do I accomplish this feat?
I give Christ my life
Regardless of cost
Then rest in His love—complete.
He takes me and loves me
molds me and shapes me
To His image—beauty divine.
And all that He did
And all that He promised
Through His life and His death becomes mine.


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« Reply #3131 on: August 27, 2015, 02:54:28 AM »

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Living Beyond Offense
1 Corinthians 10:23-33


   Paul warned against alliance with the world. He declared That in Christ Jesus we are 'one bread' (loaf) Verse 17. Therefore we must not be in union with any other pagan or non-Christian fellowship. In fact, he states this to be impossible, 'Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils'; Verse 21.

   In this lesson before us we, as Christians, are urged to live above offense; offense to our fellow men and God. A key verse for proper living is verse 31: 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.'

   Anyone who knows the grace of God and the Word of God, knows we are not under the law. Legalists may chant all they wish, condemn and blaspheme the message of grace as they choose, but the fact remains: we are in no way under law. A woman is never under the rule of a man she has never married. We, as Gentiles, have never been under the law. The law was given only to Israel. Psalm 147:19-20: 'He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord!

   In fact, since Calvary Israel is free from the law. Romans 7:4 declares: 'Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God' Now when a man's wife is dead, that man has the moral right to remarry, and in this case, the law having been set aside, the sinner is invited to be married or united to another; to the risen Christ.  It is for this reason that Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23, 'All things are lawful for me,' and this is so; 'but all things are not expedient....all this edify not,' i. e., they do not build us up.

   In this light the great apostle invites the believer in the Corinthian Church to be considerate of two persons as he lives in the midst of a pagan world, FIRST -- be considerate of a weaker brother. 'For conscience sake.....conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other.' Verses 28-29.

    What you do may not bother your conscience, but it might another's. It is not proper to say 'I'll let my conscience be my guide!' This may be unchristian, for often we must let another's conscience be our guide. 'Take a little wine for thy stomach's sake and for thine oft infirmities', Paul tells Timothy. This, therefore, is in order maybe, depending on the conscience of others. It would not do here because of Christian conscience in this land; where Timothy lived it was no offense. But we do not live in Asia. The conscience of others is a great factor in what we do and say. I have often heard Christians say, 'I don't care what others think, I'm going to do it anyway.' If this be your attitude you are out of fellowship with your Savior. You are an offense to another member of his precious body.

   SECONDLY- be considerate of your Lord and Master. If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all. Paul's cry rings down through the ages: 'Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' God help us to test all of our conduct with this spiritual axiom. If you can do what you are doing to the glory of God, then you are at liberty to do it.  Someone asked Spurgeon if you could smoke to the glory of God? (For he smoked at that time) He said 'yes'. Some students made placards which read: 'Spurgeon can smoke to the glory of God.' He read just one. Spurgeon quit smoking. Do you not see? It was an offense both to man and God.

   The need today in the Christian world is a walk that is different from the world. One of joy and peace. A life constantly in tune with heaven. One that spells salvation to an unbelieving world. A life that is not an offense, 'neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.' Verse 32. God help us to do as Paul says: 'Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.'

By the late Pastor Lloyd Peterson
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« Reply #3132 on: August 27, 2015, 02:58:54 AM »

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Prayer in the Age of Grace
Part 1 of 2

By Dr. Jerry Wayne Bernard

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18.)

We have the privilege of praying at all times and if God replies with "No!" to a prayer request, that "no" is not because of a lack of faith or sloppy behavior on the part of the one praying. It is for His  glory. One needs to learn from this and in this Age of  Grace that "No" from God is a good thing. We also need to take note and say "No" to others about many things they ask of us. Demonstrating grace on your part is not always saying "Yes!" to each and every request. "No" is seldom in the vocabulary of the faint of heart. It takes a strong person to say "No." Our giving must be tempered with the ability to say, "No!" or else we will be devastated in the giving. We are reminded to not toss our valuables to the hogs that will trod down in the muddy pen most of what is valuable. We are warned not to give in to the view of others in order to be seen as a protector. God is the giver and we are His channels to work through. Do it all to His glory.

We do not need to spend our time asking God for things in life for He already knows what we need and it is in His supply chest in heaven. It is coming to us and will arrive at the right time.

But my God shall supply all your need according to His
riches in glory by Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 4:19)

One certainly does not need to pray for God to keep one saved or make one more saved. Salvation is a completed act on the part of God. Paul tells the Colossians that God "delivered (not shall deliver) us from the power of darkness and translated (not shall translate) us into the kingdom of His dear Son; In Whom we have (not will have if we stay faithful) redemption through His blood (a past transaction), even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14).

"Has Already Reconciled"

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled. In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight. (Colossians 1:21-22)

One does not need to be reconciled again and again after each  sin comes into the life. The words are: "hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death." The word "hath" means that it happened in the  past and is still effectual. This means that the salvation is eternal, based on the Cross alone, not as long as our human faithfulness or goodness continues. If there were anything that the  Saint must do in order to keep saved, no one could understand  Paul's statement:

Ye  are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 1:10)

Nothing can be lost, taken away or forfeited in the Believers life. In this we see that one cannot loose their salvation after they have  received Christ as their Savior.

Quality of an Unconditional Gift

This salvation is by unconditional grace alone and will never be withheld because of demerit. In fact, its offer cannot be lessened  because of demerit. Grace ceases to be grace if God uses it as a bribe or is compelled to withdraw it in the presence of human  failure or sin. On the flip side of the coin, it cannot be exercised where there is the slightest degree of human merit. The quality of the gift of salvation is only in the finished work of Christ on  the cross. This finished work created an entirely new relationship between God and mankind.

No longer is there a select minority in God's favor. The whole world of mankind has been brought nigh unto God (Ephesians 2:13) through love and forgiveness for everything. God is now free to exercise unconditional grace on the basis of the cross, not on any kind of assumed worthiness of man.

After the cross of Christ, the sin question ceased. For sin was the transgression of the Law. Under the Law, man was in debt,  However, the death, entombment and resurrection of Jesus Christ  are the combined gift of God to the world without incurring indebtedness on the part of anyone towards God. The Age of  Grace contains a new quality and grand accomplishment called pure and simply the unconditional "gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8.). What must be considered in the Age of Grace is the Son question It is not what one does with sin. It is what one does with the Son, God's gift to humanity (John 3:16).
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« Reply #3133 on: August 29, 2015, 06:31:39 PM »

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Paul's Letter to the Romans
By Pastor C. R. Stam


      One of the most enlightening books of the Bible, and indeed of all literature, is St. Paul’s great Epistle to the Romans.

Paul was by nature and training a logician, perhaps the greatest logician of all time, and in this case his words were Spirit-inspired, so that we have in his Epistle to the Romans a powerful logical argument about God and man, condemnation and justification. It is wonderful thus to have God’s plan of salvation explained for us. This is all too lacking in modern evangelism.

The doctrinal argument of Romans begins with a demonstration of the moral depravity of man. It says, even to the self-righteous:

“Thou art inexcusable…”(2:1).

The Apostle then goes on to show that the Law was given, not to help men to be good, but “that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought in guilty before God” (3:19). The conclusion:

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (3:20).

The Apostle presses his argument further by showing how the Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself as a satisfaction for sin that we might be“justified freely by [God’s] grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (3:24). His conclusion again:

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without [apart from] the deeds of the law” (3:28.).
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:1).

Next he shows how those who trust in Christ are “baptized into Christ” (6:3), made one with Him by faith. The final conclusion:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1).

And the Apostle closes the doctrinal part of this great epistle by exclaiming:

“Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? …Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”(8:33,35).

Our advice to those who have questions about salvation: Study Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, thoughtfully and prayerfully.
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« Reply #3134 on: August 30, 2015, 06:21:36 PM »

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Power To Overcome
by Pastor C. R. Stam


Every true Christian knows by experience that the Holy Spirit does not, upon saving us, take possession of us and thenceforth supernaturally cause us to live lives pleasing to God. Rather, as with salvation, so with the Christian life, He operates in the believer “by grace through faith”.

Powerful assistance to overcome sin is freely provided by grace, but this help must be appropriated by faith in each individual case. There is no blanket provision for continuous victory throughout our whole life. We must look to Him in faith for the help we need in each separate battle.

Thus the Scripture teaching with regard to victory over sin is not that it is not possible for the believer to sin, but rather that in any given case it is possible for him not to sin. Thus too,the question in times of temptation is generally whether we truly desire to overcome, for deliverance is freely provided by grace if we will but appropriate it by faith.

But just how is deliverance provided? The answer is: BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. No longer need the believer remain enslaved to sin; for the Holy Spirit within, who imparted spiritual life to begin with, will also impart strength to overcome temptation. When tried and unable even to pray as we ought, “the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities”and “maketh intercession for us” (Rom. 8:26). When weak and ill, we may be “strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16). Indeed, the Spirit even strengthens God’s people physically to overcome sin, for we read:


“But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken [strengthen] your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Rom. 8:11).


And the following verse goes on to say:

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh” (Rom. 8:12)

The thought is that, since believers have the Holy Spirit to help them overcome sin, they are debtors — and not to the flesh, but to God, to live pleasing to Him.
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